How To Use Double Faced Cards In Magic: The Gathering
Ready to embrace the duality of double faced cards in Magic: The Gathering? Let’s dive in!
Introduced in the 2011 Innistrad set, double faced cards (DFCs) haven’t been a constant presence in every subsequent MTG set. Instead, they’ve taken on a ‘deciduous’ status. In MTG terms, this means they pop up in sets where they fit thematically or mechanically.
The recent “March of the Machine” set has rekindled interest in DFCs, introducing a fresh card type: Battles. Alongside this, we also see the return of double faced creatures, many of which carry the Transform keyword.
For newcomers or even casual players, DFCs can be a tad perplexing. They don’t have the usual MTG card back, which can lead to questions like: How do they fit into a deck? How do you play them?
In this article we will give you answer to all those questions, lets jump straight in!
What Cards Can Be Double Faced?
Magic: The Gathering has been innovative with its card designs, and double faced cards (DFCs) are a testament to that creativity. They’ve been used to represent various card types, adding depth and versatility to gameplay.
Creature Tokens: In some sets, even creature tokens have been given the double faced treatment. This allows for dynamic gameplay where tokens can shift roles or abilities, reflecting changes in the game state or narrative.
Creature Cards: Many sets, including “March of the Machine,” feature creature cards with two faces. This design can depict a creature’s transformation or evolution, or even show different aspects or stages of a creature’s life. For instance, a werewolf might start as a human on one side and transform into its beastly counterpart on the other.
Battle Cards: As you mentioned, “March of the Machine” introduced Battle cards as a new type of DFC. These cards can represent ongoing skirmishes, strategic shifts, or pivotal moments in a battle, with each side of the card offering different abilities or effects that can turn the tide of a match.
The beauty of DFCs lies in their ability to tell a story and add layers of strategy to the game. A player must not only consider the current state of the card but also anticipate its potential transformation and how that might impact the game.
When playing with or against DFCs, it’s essential to be familiar with both sides of the card, as the ability to transform can be a game-changer. Whether it’s a creature evolving, a battle shifting, or a token taking on new significance, DFCs bring a dynamic element to MTG that keeps players on their toes.
How To Build Double Faced Cards
To use double-faced cards in your deck without giving away their position when you shuffle or play, you should put your entire deck in solid-colored card sleeves.
How Do Double Faced Cards Work During Play?
To use a double-faced card, just pay its regular mana cost.
The side showing its mana cost is the face-up side. There’s also a helpful icon to guide you.
Look for a triangle symbol next to the card’s name. If it points up, that side is face up. If it points down, that’s the card’s “face down” side. But remember, if you’re using this side, it’ll actually be face up. Confusing, right?
Most of these cards have a “Transform” keyword. The card will tell you what to do, often involving paying more mana, to flip it to the other side.
Do All Double Faced Cards Transform?
Alright, let’s dive a bit deeper.
Besides the transforming double-faced cards, there are also ‘modal’ double-faced cards.
You can play these on either side, but once they’re in play, they stay that way. They don’t flip or transform.
Here’s how to spot them: One side has a single triangle pointing up next to the card’s name. The other side has two triangles – one pointing up and one pointing down.
Are There Other Rules For Double Faced Cards?
Navigating the world of double-faced cards can be a bit tricky with all their types and rules, especially when other keywords come into play. However, the basics we’ve covered should help you get started with adding them to your deck and understanding their mechanics.
What’s your take on double-faced cards in Magic: The Gathering? Do you see their unique features enhancing your deck-building journey?
Or do you feel the challenges they present – like ensuring proper usage and the need for specific sleeving – might deter you from using them?
Share your opinions with us on our social media platforms. And remember, always use the top commander decks in MTG to protect your precious cards!
The 5 Best Double Faced Cards In MTG
1. Bala Ged Recovery
It might seem unconventional to label this as the mightiest card amidst giants like Tibalts and Esikas, but bear with me.
Bala Ged Recovery offers an effect that’s a boon for nearly every green deck. It can set up endless cycles with other cards that retrieve items from your graveyard, or even reclaim that crucial combo piece you need. It’s a treasure trove of utility.
While many champion the other MDFCs for their prowess as a Commander deck leader, I believe Bala Ged Recovery shines even within the 99. Don’t be fooled by its unassuming uncommon status. Its utility and potency are unparalleled.
2. Birgi, God of Storytelling
Looking for a stellar combo card that can spring a surprise on your opponents? Pairing with Birgi, God of Storytelling is so seamless that it’s almost harder not to find a combo! Beyond its combo prowess, the mana boost it provides can supercharge a red-centric midrange deck.
And let’s not overlook the flip side. If you’ve already got a Birgi on the field and can’t play another due to the legend rule, the reverse side can offer some serious value.
3. Valki, God of Lies
Before the cascade rules got a revamp, Valki, God of Lies stood out as a formidable card. It had the potential to bring its planeswalker side into play as early as turn 2. Even post-adjustment, it remains a significant threat.
Both facets of this card shine, particularly in one-on-one matchups. The front offers a handy disruption tool with added benefits, while the flip side, Tibalt, Cosmic Impostor, is a looming danger that demands attention. Tibalt’s emblem keeps track of all cards it exiles, retaining this count even if the planeswalker is removed.
This mechanic is especially potent in Commander. Repeatedly casting it from your command zone lets you leverage cards exiled earlier, adding layers of strategy to your game.
4. Esika, God of the Tree
There’s always that one commander that draws all eyes – and not always in admiration. Especially in Brawl matches on Arena, there’s one that players often dread.
Esika, God of the Tree is a classic example of an MDFC where the flip side is the real star. As one of the numerous 5-color commanders introduced lately, Esika lets you swiftly deploy intimidating threats, provided you can muster all five colors.
It’s no surprise that Esika is the top commander choice from Kaldheim on EDHRec. And I totally get the hype!
5. Tergrid, God of Fright
Looking to trim down your friend list a bit? Tergrid, God of Fright is your go-to commander! It’s a surefire way to make those clingy pals reconsider.
Discard and sacrifice effects already ruffle feathers, but with Tergrid, you add insult to injury by taking the permanents your opponents discard and sacrifice. Talk about a win-win! And the flip side, Tergrid’s Lantern? It can go infinite with endless mana – but who ever heard of that happening in Commander? Wink, wink.
